Planned event at TAMIU draws criticism from LGBTQ

TAMIU’s Campus Ally Network, along with students and the community, gathered on May 4 to kick off Pride Walk and Pride Fest on the campus grounds. The group's co-founder said they hope to use an upcoming event at TAMIU boasting the question "Can homosexuals (LGBTQ) change?" to begin a conversation. less

TAMIU’s Campus Ally Network, along with students and the community, gathered on May 4 to kick off Pride Walk and Pride Fest on the campus grounds. The group's co-founder said they hope to use an upcoming ... more

Photo: Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times

Photo: Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times

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TAMIU’s Campus Ally Network, along with students and the community, gathered on May 4 to kick off Pride Walk and Pride Fest on the campus grounds. The group's co-founder said they hope to use an upcoming event at TAMIU boasting the question "Can homosexuals (LGBTQ) change?" to begin a conversation. less

TAMIU’s Campus Ally Network, along with students and the community, gathered on May 4 to kick off Pride Walk and Pride Fest on the campus grounds. The group's co-founder said they hope to use an upcoming ... more

Photo: Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times

Planned event at TAMIU draws criticism from LGBTQ

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An upcoming event at TAMIU boasting the question, "Can Homosexuals (LGBTQ) change?" is at the forefront of a great deal of criticism.

A local church, Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia, will host the function June 5 regarding homosexuality that promises "with God's love and power you can change." Students and community members were concerned by the circulation of the advertisement and were prompted to believe the university was aligned with the event organizers' beliefs.

TAMIU issued a statement in which President Pablo Arenaz offered clarification on the university's position.

"As a State agency, Texas A&M International University rents facilities when available to all groups, including outside or third-party organizations, regardless of their viewpoint. When it does so, this should never be interpreted as an endorsement or as in any way supportive of these groups, or their messages," the statement reads.

Arenaz added that "while this event is not consistent with the university's shared values, international mission or enduring commitment to diversity and inclusion, these groups may present their perspective, which may or may not be shared by others."

Amid the wave of social media posts expressing disappointment, many turned to the university's LGBTQ organization, Campus Ally Network. Chema Villarreal, co-founder of the organization, said he and several members are going to take advantage of the event and use it as an opportunity to begin a conversation.

The exchange of thoughts can hopefully create some sort of foundation where change can spring forth, Villarreal said.

"A lot of people think we're siding with them," Villarreal said. "If we don't go to the event then nothing changes. As an organization we will be asking them those questions that may be difficult for them to answer or vice versa. Once we have communication, there's more opportunity of understanding and change can happen."

While the event runs its course inside the Student Center Auditorium room, a counter-event will be held outside. Judith Mendoza said she created "Born this Way" to provide a space for love and acceptance. Mendoza said she was upset about the advertisement because it touted one option: to change. The worst thing to do is offer one solution, Mendoza said.

On the same token, Mendoza said she believes everyone has their own beliefs and doesn't want to take that away. Instead, she said she hopes the "Born this Way" event will give people various ways in which they can express themselves and share their personal experiences. She said she hopes for a pure event of love and pride; for people to be happy with who they are and to know there is a way to be comfortable in your own skin.

"I like to offer a different path and that's one of self-acceptance and self-love. If people find themselves struggling, self-acceptance is one of the best ways to go," Mendoza said.

"Born This Way" is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 5 outside of the TAMIU Student Center.

LMT web producer JeriLynn Thorpe contributed to this report.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the name of the church that it hosting the event at TAMIU.